Medical tourism

From Wikitravel Shared

This article is a travel topic.

Medical Tourism is a growing concept worldwide where people travel to another country for medical treatment at much lower prices e.g. this could be a resident of USA traveling to India for getting cosmetic surgery at a fraction of the cost that he may have paid in USA. This is just one example of what medical tourism is.

Getting treatment in another country for the above reason also comes with other benefits : a) Most obvious reason is lower cost of treatment. b) Another important reason for traveling is the long waiting lists that exist in countries like USA and UK for getting treatments under national health schemes. Treatments in countries like India not only come without a waiting period but also immediate treatment in most cases. c) Most travelers normally incorporate a short holiday along with the treatment as these also tend to be cheaper than local holidays. d) Better doctors and environment are also another benefit which most travelers experience. The hospitals/clinics in these medical tourist destinations also tend to be of high quality with highly experienced doctors (most of whom have foreign education and credentials). e) Medical tourism also gives people a chance to incorporate ayurvedic and relaxation therapies with their ongoing treatments at a low cost.

The most favorite medical tourism destinations worldwide currently are :

- India : Specially for heart surgery, hip resurfacing, cosmetic surgery and high end surgeries. English as a primary language is also an advantage.

- Singapore : Has highly accredited hospitals and a very high quality infrastructure

- Thailand : Low labour costs resulting in lower treatment costs

- Hong Kong : High quality infrastructure and good quality doctors

- and more recently, Mexico, Brazil, Brunei, Cuba, Malaysia, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates

Important Information a) Please make sure before travelling that you have the appropriate VISA for the country you wish to travel to. Medical treatments of severe nature normally require a seperate medical VISA. b) Please get appropriate vaccinations before travel. Consult your local health bureau or physician for more information. c) Make sure that all reservations and appointments are fixed in advance. d) Having English speaking people on the other end is always an advantage as it removes any form of miscommunication.